Famed fossil isn’t a bird after all? Associated PressOne of the world’s most famous fossil creatures, widely considered the earliest known bird, is getting a rude present on the 150th birthday of its discovery: A new analysis suggests it isn’t a bird at all.

Lords Park Zoo closer to getting a bison fenceBy Tara García Mathewson
Slowly but surely the recommendation by the Lords Park Task Force to replace the bison fencing in the park's zoo is moving forward. Elgin City Council members voted Wednesday to grant preliminary approval to develop final plans and start the bid process.

Lake County loses lifelong educatorBy Danielle Gensburg
The only way to sum up William L. Thompson, a lifelong resident and prominent educator of Lake County, is to say that he was “loved by all, hated by no one.” Those words were dedicated to Mr. Thompson in a notice put up on Facebook by his 16-year-old grand nephew John Wood following his death Friday, July 22, at the age of 87.

Case against Drew Peterson in jeopardy, experts say Associated PressThe high-profile murder case against former Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson, accused of killing his third wife, may never make it to trial, experts say, after a court agreed prosecutors shouldn’t be allowed to use certain hearsay statements as evidence.

Fermilab closer to finding ‘God particle' By Susan Sarkauskas
The soon-to-be-mothballed Tevatron particle accelerator at Fermilab in Batavia may have turned up more evidence of the presence of a Higgs-Boson subatomic particle, in the search for an explanation in to how matter got mass.

Ex-school administrators get big pension boosts By Jake Griffin Some former suburban public school administrators who retire early get a big pension boost at age 61. That's because even though they can't collect cost-of-living increases before 61, the Teachers Retirement System holds the money for them and includes it in their pension checks during that year.

Ex-Cubs bullpen catcher sentenced
A former Chicago Cubs bullpen catcher has been sentenced to two years’ probation for attempted possession of more than a pound of marijuana in Nebraska.

Yang ordered to pay $40 million to victim’s family
Associated PressA Cook County jury has decided against Marni Yang in a lawsuit filed by the family of the woman she was convicted of killing. The family of Rhoni Reuter was awarded $40 million on Wednesday.

No bail for suspect in cop’s murder
Associated PressBail has been denied for a 24-year-old man charged with killing an off-duty Chicago police officer. Antwon Carter appeared in bond court Wednesday after being charged with murder and attempted armed robbery in the death of officer Michael Bailey.

Assaults on cops are up
Associated PressChicago’s top cop says he doesn’t know why police-involved shootings are up, but he says there’s been a spike in assaults and batteries on cops.

Prairie View garage destroyed by fire
By Paul BiascoA late-afternoon fire in Prairie View destroyed a garage and its contents. Seven surrounding fire departments assisted the Long Grove Fire Protection District on the 16100 block of Aptakisic Road as the unattached garage went up in flames.

Woodridge man killed in motorcycle crash
By Paul BiascoA 52-year-old Woodridge man was killed Tuesday afternoon when he collided with another vehicle while riding a motorcycle in Darien, according to authorities.

Lawsuit challenging new congressional map filed by GOP By Kerry Lester
Politics and Projects Writer
Republicans Wednesday filed a court challenge to Illinois' newly drawn congressional boundaries. The new "gerrymandered" map, it charges, violates both the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment.

DuPage board member McBride recovering from brain surgery
By Robert SanchezDuPage County Board member J.R. McBride had surgery this week to remove a benign brain tumor, county officials announced Wednesday.“I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. The surgery was successful and I plan to return to the county soon,” McBride said in a statement.

Des Plaines observes National Night Out
Daily Herald reportThe Des Plaines Police Department will host an open house from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday for National Night Out at the police station, 1418 Miner St.

Bedroom fire damages Batavia home
By Paul BiascoBatavia fire officials continue to investigate what started a blaze that caused about $25,000 in damage to a home Wednesday afternoon.

Suspect gave permission for search, detective says By Tony Gordon
A detective testified Wednesday that James Ealy invited him to “look around all you want” when police were at Ealy's apartment investigating the 2006 murder of Mary Hutchison at the former Burger King restaurant in Lindenhurst.

Elk Grove Village cop hearing ThursdayBy Madhu Krishnamurthy
The Elk Grove Village Police and Fire Commission could determine Thursday whether to fire police officer David Klingsporn, who faces a charge of violating police department rules. The hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the village council chambers.

Former Barrington student not guilty of rape, other charges remain By Harry Hitzeman
A 20-year-old Palatine man is found not guilty by a McHenry County judge of raping a girl in 2009 while he was a Barrington High School senior. But Bruce Arthur Johnston still faces a misdemeanor sexual abuse charge from 2009 for a relationship he had with a 14-year-old at the time.

Grayslake skate park benefit Saturday
Daily Herald ReportA fundraiser to benefit the Daniel Barry Memorial Skate Park in Grayslake will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6. The eighth annual Grayslake SK8 Comp will feature skateboards and blades along with expert, intermediate and beginner divisions for competition. Thousands in cash and prizes will be awarded.

CLC passes balanced 2011-12 budget
Daily Herald ReportCollege of Lake County board members have passed a $96.79 million operating budget for the financial period that officially started July 1 and runs through June 30, 2012. Officials said the balanced budget represents a 5.73 percent increase over 2011.

Man pleads not guilty to charges in fatal crash
By Tony GordonA man from downstate Collum, IL pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges he was under the influence of marijuana when his speeding car slammed into and killed a Lake Barrington woman. Thomas Murphy, 40, faces up to 14 years in prison if convicted of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs and reckless homicide.

Addison man ‘deserved’ life term for murders of mom, prostitute
By Josh StockingerGary Schuning of Addison received a mandatory life sentence Wednesday for murdering his mother and a prostitute. Schuning, 28, was convicted by a jury in May of first-degree murder in the 2006 stabbing deaths of his mother, Doris Pagliaro, 40, and Chicago call girl Kristi Hoenig, 21. “The defendant deserves no less than a life sentence,” Judge John Kinsella said. “This crime speaks of utter...

North Carolina fires football coach Butch Davis By Associated PressNorth Carolina has fired football coach Butch Davis. The school issued a statement Wednesday night announcing Davis' dismissal nine days before the start of preseason practice.

DuPage police union gets first contract, 2% raises
By Marco SantanaUnion officials in DuPage County have claimed victory over Sheriff John Zaruba and former county board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom after they negotiated their first union contract. The Metropolitan Alliance of Police officials said the two “failed” in their “obstructionist” efforts to block the union and that they “have the taint of wasted taxpayer money as their legacy and on their hands.”

Heat wave death toll hits 16 in Cook County
Associated PressA 16th person in the Chicago area has died of heat-related causes. The Cook County medical examiner’s office listed heat stroke and hypertension as the causes of death for 70-year-old William Blackledge of Chicago on Wednesday.

Authorities examine body of girl killed in 1957
Associated PressAuthorities on Wednesday began examining the remains of a 7-year-old Sycamore girl who was abducted and killed more than 50 years ago, trying to find clues that would help them put together a criminal case against a 71-year-old former neighbor.

Docs spread word about concussions to coaches
Associated PressThere’s no such thing as a “ding,” concussion experts told Illinois school coaches, trainers and administrators Wednesday in preparation for state legislation aimed at preventing affected young athletes from resuming play too soon.

Here are a few ways to help East Africa’s hungry
By Kimberly PohlThe drought consuming the Horn of Africa is the worst in 60 years, leaving millions of people, many of them children, in danger of death. Local and national charities are providing aid. Here are some ways you can help.

District 300 visit with Michelle Obama canceled
By Larissa ChinwahThe White House has canceled a reception with First Lady Michelle Obama to celebrate the achievements of schools across the country in promoting healthy habits to students, including schools from Community Unit District 300. An email from the White House to the district last week blames "unforseen circumstances."

Algonquin, Huntley plan to share IT staff
By Elena FerrarinAlgonquin likes to be a good neighbor, and make a profit while at it. The village is planning to provide IT services to Huntley's police department. It is already providing some services to the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills fire protection district, Carpentersville and Pingree Grove.

Teachers recalled in Cary District 26
By Larissa ChinwahThe closure of Prairie Hill School in Cary has allowed the Cary Elementary District 26 school board to recall about a dozen teachers who were laid off earlier this year.

Fox River Grove man accused in Ponzi scheme pleads guilty to mail fraud
By Barbara VitelloPaul Cirigliano, a Fox River Grove man charged in a federal complaint of mail fraud and other crimes, including operating a Ponzi scheme that reportedly bilked investors out of nearly $2 million, pled guilty to one count of mail fraud Monday in a federal court in Rockford. He faces between 110 and 137 months in prison when he is sentenced Oct. 27.

Fox River fire district wants St. Charles station
By James FullerThe Fox River and Countryside Fire/Rescue District is courting the empathy of St. Charles Unit District 303 in its attempts to find a location for a new third station. The key man in the decision could be school board member Jim Gaffney, who also happens to be president of the fire district.

Stocks fall as debt debate rages
Associated PressStocks plunged Wednesday as the U.S. edged closer to defaulting on its debt and the economy showed more signs of deteriorating. Major indexes gave up all of their gains for the month.

Police reports
Daily Herald reportA DVD player installed in a 2000 Dodge Grand Voyager was taken when the vehicle was ransacked between 11 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. Tuesday while it was parked in the 100 block of Cherry Street in Elgin, according to police reports.

Itasca OKs new $115,000 boardwalk
By Elisabeth MistrettaNature lovers in Itasca must say goodbye to the boardwalk that runs through the marsh lands near Spring Brook Nature Center next week. But just temporarily, as workers will begin building an improved boardwalk in mid-August.

Reduced plea in 12-year-old Wheaton murder
By Robert SanchezA man who had claimed that he was “merely present” for a Wheaton drug dealer’s murder 12 years ago pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempted armed robbery as part of a deal with prosecutors that requires him to cooperate with unspecified investigations in DuPage and Cook counties. Raymond Winters, 44, formerly of Chicago, was facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the July 1999...

Woman assaulted in Mount Prospect theft
Daily Herald staff reportA man in Mount Prospect first tried to lure a woman into his car, then assaulted her and stole her necklace when he was unsuccessful, police said.

GOP retools debt fix plan
Associated PressSix days away from a potentially calamitous government default, House Republicans appeared to be coalescing Wednesday around a work-in-progress plan by House Speaker John Boehner to increase the U.S. borrowing limit and chop $1 trillion in federal spending.

Suicide bomber kills Kandahar mayor
Associated PressA suicide bomber hiding explosives in his turban assassinated the mayor of Kandahar on Wednesday, just two weeks after President Hamid Karzai’s powerful half brother was slain in the southern province that is critical to the U.S.-led war effort.

4-H offers suburban youth chance to share creativity By Megan Bannister
DuPage County Fair participant Rachael Miller doesn't shear sheep or raise cattle. Nonetheless, Miller has been an avid member of the DuPage County 4-H Club for 10 years. “4-H isn't just about farming and livestock,” Miller said. “I know that's kind of what it started out as, but it's definitely more diverse than it used to be.”

Lombard residents want flood improvements speeded up
By Marie WilsonWith rain from last weekend soaked into the soil, and more wet weather in the forecast, Lombard residents living near Terrace View Pond wish efforts to increase the pond’s stormwater capacity would move along faster. “They’re using our yards and basements as retention ponds,” Lombard resident Linda Sullivan said. “We feel like the village owes us a functioning sewer system, a functioning...

Aurora Hispanic leaders spar over festival admission fee, funding
By Marie WilsonPlans to charge a $2 admission to Fiestas Patrias in Aurora this year were quickly scrapped when word of such plans got around. “This festival is a celebration of Mexican independence. It’s the same as charging for the fireworks on the Fourth of July,” Alderman Juany Garza said.

Northwest suburban police blotter
By Freida GadThieves stole two dining room chairs, box of toys, food processor and wok from a driveway in Mount Prospect after the victim placed the items there because the home was flooded. Value was estimated at $400.

Investigation continues into cornfield deathsAssociated Press
Whiteside County Sheriff's Lt. Andy Henson says deputies are trying to determine how two 14-year-olds were electrocuted detasseling corn in northwestern Illinois. Jade Garza and Hannah Kendall, both of Sterling, were killed Monday when they came into contact with a field irrigator while working near Tampico.

Hearsay ruling a big blow to Peterson prosecutors
Associated PressA state appellate court has refused to overturn a Will County judge’s decision barring prosecutors from using some hearsay evidence against former Bolingbrook police Sgt. Drew Peterson

Arlington Heights Army officer sets e-book thriller in the burbsBy Mike RiopellRoger Blakely is an Army officer in his late-40s, stationed in Arlington Heights, living with his cat and training soldiers in the final weeks before they ship out overseas. And he’s written a thriller novel about an Arlington Heights Army retiree who lives with his cat and ends up dealing with a planned terrorist attack here in the suburbs.

Fortune Brands CEO to retire at end of the yearAssociated Press
Deerfield-based Fortune Brands Inc., which makes a variety of products from security items to Jim Beam liquor, said Wednesday that its Chairman and CEO Bruce Carbonari will retire at the end of the year, as plans for its separation into two separate public companies continue.

Storms moving over suburbs
By Lee FilasPeople should keep an eye on the skies today as small, isolated thunderstorms are expected to strike on and off throughout Wednesday. Brief but heavy rainfall with frequent lightning has been forecasted by the National Weather Service. However, officials said the hardest rain and thrunderstorms are expected later this afternoon and into tonight and Thursday.

Sugar Grove Corn Boil offers new events this year
By Samantha Kiesel The 44th annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil features several new events starting with the opening day parade. The festival, in the park behind John Shields Elementary School, kicks off on Friday, July 29.

Poplar Creek Library wins design award
Daily Herald reportThe $23 million modernization and expansion of the Poplar Creek Library’s main branch in Streamwood, which reopened in June 2009 with twice the space, has received the No. 1 ranking among new libraries from The Library Journal, a well recognized national library publication.

Downstate man killed in Tri-State motorcycle crash
By Lee FilasA downstatem man was killed Monday night in a crash on the Tri-State Tollway near Wadsworth. James Ewing of Gifford, IL., crossed three lanes of highway before hitting the center median while riding his motorcycle.

Lake County communities plan National Night Out events
By Danielle GensburgLake County communities are scheduled to host National Night Out activities Tuesday, Aug. 2, demonstrating their support for anti-crime efforts, improving police and neighborhood partnerships, and promoting a message to criminals of fighting back.

Lake Zurich hit-and-run sparks road safety concerns By Danielle GensburgLake Zurich-area officials say they plan to discuss ways to increase safety along a stretch of Church Street where a teenager was killed after a hit-and-run accident. “Now that there's been an accident and a tragedy, improvements to the road are something to look into,” said State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr.

Aretha Franklin, star skaters team up at Sears Centre By Ashok SelvamAretha Franklin will stop by the Sears Centre on Sept. 24 for Fashion on Ice. Skaters, including Olympians Sasha Cohen and Sarah Hughes, will perform while Franklin sings. The performance will be broadcast on Nov. 13 on NBC.

New Dist. 214 board member is from Arlington Hts.
By Sam WagnerTodd Younger, an Arlington Heights resident and a commercial banker by trade, has been chosen to fill the vacancy on the District 214 school board, created when Lenore Gonzales Bragaw moved out of the district earlier this year.

Aurora council tightens liquor license rules
By Marie WilsonIf a new liquor store or bar and grill wants to come into Aurora, its management will need to plan a trip to a city council meeting and prepare a business plan for council review. “Anytime a new business wants to come in for a liquor license, it’ll be given to the council” for a vote, under a resolution approved Tuesday night, City Clerk Cheryl Vonhoff said.

Geneva ready to approve pact for community gardens
By Susan SarkauskasBy next spring, Geneva gardeners should be able to farm their veggies in community garden plots at Prairie Green Preserve. The Geneva City Council gave preliminary approval to an agreement with the Kane County Forest Preserve to annex property for the public gardens.

Itasca seeks members for home-rule committee
By Elisabeth MistrettaItasca leaders will form a committee of residents, business leaders and elected officials to explore whether the village should ask for home rule status in a referendum on March 20.

Festival of Singers returns to Elgin
By popular demand The Festival of Singers is returning every Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 28 at Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano, 13 Douglas Ave. in downtown Elgin.

ECC to stage ‘Spelling Bee’
Nervous youngsters and their ultracompetitive parents continue center stage during “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” a musical performed by the Elgin Community College Musical Theatre through Sunday, Aug. 7.

Register for OSHA class at MCC
Submitted by MCCMcHenry County College Shah Center is accepting registration for the OSHA 30-Hour in General Industry class set for 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, Aug. 15, 17, 29 and 31 at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry.

Aid workers rush to help East Africa’s hungry
Associated PressSeven-month-old Mihag Gedi Farah is the frail face of famine in the Horn of Africa. He stares out wide-eyed almost in alarm. Mihag is just one of 800,000 children who officials warn could die across the region.

Peavy knows Sox' gamble includes him By Barry RoznerWith the team down to a five-man rotation after the Edwin Jackson trade, Jake Peavy is not deluding himself or White Sox fans. He's not 100 percent and admits his arm strength has been slow to return after lat surgery.

Determined Danks prevails for White Sox By Scot Gregor
John Danks didn't have his best command Wednesday but he was able to work out of big jams in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings to help the White Sox edge the first-place Tigers at U.S. Cellular Field.

Elgin powers past Elk Grove at state Legion
By Marty MaciaszekElgin used three homers and an 8-run fourth inning to beat Elk Grove 14-8 in the first game of the American Legion baseball state tournament Wednesday in Galesburg.

Heckmann to lead Wauconda soccer teams
Daily Herald reportWauconda has named Patrick Heckmann its new boys and girls soccer coach. Heckmann, who’s been an assistant in the boys and girls programs for 13 years, replaces Terry Stevig, who retired this summer.

Warren’s Riley signed by Bengals
Daily Herald reportWarren graduate and former Illinois State offensive tackle Chris Riley has agreed to an undrafted free-agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals and will join the team for fall training camp when it reports today.

Greinke, Brewers shut down CubsAssociated PressMILWAUKEE — Prince Fielder hit his 23rd home run and Rickie Weeks needed to be helped off the field when he injured his left ankle running out a throw to first in the Milwaukee Brewers' 2-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.Zack Greinke (8-4) worked effectively into the seventh inning as Milwaukee kept pace in the crowded NL Central, but losing Weeks would be a huge blow to the Brewers' playoff chances.Fielder homered off Carlos Zambrano (7-6) to start the second before Weeks hit a bouncing ball to shortstop Starlin Castro. Weeks stretched to beat the throw, landing awkwardly at the bag and stumbling down the first-base line.The All-Star second baseman went to the hospital for further tests after being helped off the field.

AP Sources: Vikings get QB McNabb from RedskinsAssociated PressDonovan McNabb's arrival in Minnesota has been a rumored scenario for at least five years, ever since Brad Childress left the Philadelphia Eagles to take over the Vikings in 2006.

Arouca wins Illinois Open duel with Schachner
By Mike SpellmanWilmette's Philip Arouca took advantage of a rocky finish for Libertyville's Michael Schachner to win the Illinois Open championship by 1 stroke Wednesday at Hawthorn Woods Country Club.

Slumping Soriano grabs some bench
By Bruce MilesAlfonso Soriano found a seat on the Cubs bench for the start of Wednesday night's game at Milwaukee. Soriano entered the night hitting just .171 in July

White Sox shake things up and get a winBy Scot GregorAlejandro De Aza came up from Class AAA Charlotte Wednesday and immediately sparked the White Sox with a 2-run homer. That begs the question - how long does De Aza keep Alex Rios on the bench?

Bears release training camp schedule
From Daily Herald News ServicesThe Bears will return to Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., for the tenth consecutive season, starting with Saturday's practice (no pads) at 2:30 p.m. The team releases the tentative practice schedule on Wednesday and the first night practice begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1.

Man-U game was nice, but Fire needs wins
By Orrin SchwarzFire owner Andrew Hauptman and Andell Holdings' Javier Leon will need to figure out how to turn around the Fire if the once-proud franchise misses the MLS playoffs for a second straight season.

Bears sign draft picks Enderle, Thomas
By Bob LeGereBears chief contract negotiator Cliff Stein is off to a fast start. Fifth-round quarterback Nathan Enderle and sixth-round linebacker J.T. Thomas have already agreed to terms on four-year deals. According to Internet repots, Enderle’s deal is for $2.2 million and includes a $170,000 signing bonus.

Evans' victory caps a Tour classic Associated PressIt was a Tour de France many hailed as a classic. There were crashes, dropouts, surprises and, above all, a new champion. With Cadel Evans becoming the first Australian to win cycling's most prestigious race, the Tour de France had a completely new look this year.

Business

Dunkin’ stock soars nearly 47 percent in IPOAssociated PressShares of Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. soared nearly 47 percent on Wednesday, their first day of trading, feeding the demand of investors looking to trade in coffee and doughnuts.

Stock futures mixed as debt stalemate continuesAssociated Press
U.S. stock futures are mixed as lawmakers remain at odds over how to avoid a debt default. House Speaker John Boehner had planned to hold a vote on his debt-limit plan on Wednesday.

Durable goods orders fall 2.1 percent in JuneAssociated Press
Businesses cut back on orders for aircraft, autos, heavy machinery and computers in June, sending demand for long-lasting manufactured goods lower for the second month in the past three.

AutoNation reports record 2011 second quarter results PR NewswireAutoNation, Inc. America's largest automotive retailer, today reported 2011 second quarter net income of $73 million, or $0.49 per share, compared to adjusted net income of $62 million, or $0.38 per share, for the same period in the prior year, a 29% improvement on a per-share basis.

Boeing beats profit estimates, boosts 2011 earnings forecast Bloomberg NewsNet income rose 20 percent to $941 million, or $1.25 a share, from $787 million, or $1.06, a year earlier, Chicago-based Boeing said in a statement today. The average estimate of 22 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg was for 97 cents. Sales climbed 6 percent to $16.5 billion.

Life & Entertainment

Should the music industry have tried to save Amy?Associated PressThere's a long history, to be sure, of performers who wither away due to addiction while the world watches, but Amy Winehouse's death Saturday at age 27 has rekindled questions about the role the music industry should play in helping stars kick self-destructive habits.

For a chill night out, think Hartley's in Crystal LakeBy Samantha Nelson
Hartley's Restaurant in Crystal Lake opened in May, taking over On the Rocks' former home. The spot offers a night out with a bit of old-school elegance, hearty food, classic decor and chill live music.

Lucas loses U.K. battle over stormtrooper helmetsThe Associated PressThe Empire has struck out. Britain's Supreme Court on Wednesday defeated a bid by George Lucas' company to stop a prop designer making and selling replicas of the iconic stormtrooper helmets from the "Star Wars" films.

Put your cooking talent to the test By Deb PankeyFor our Cook of the Week Challenge, we're asking readers to submit an original recipe. Just what does “original” mean? It means I can't plug the ingredients into Google and find the recipe online.

Winehouse's death lands her back on the chartsAssociated PressDeath has landed Amy Winehouse back on the charts. The British singer's "Back to Black" album will re-enter the Billboard album chart at No. 9, with 37,000 albums sold in the United States in the past week. Those figures come from Nielsen SoundScan data released late Tuesday. Her debut album "Frank" sold 7,000 copies. All but a fraction of those sales were digital downloads.

Dan Peek, founding member of band America, diesAssociated PressDan Peek, a founding member of the popular 1970s band America and singer of high harmonies on hits that included "A Horse With No Name" and "Ventura Highway," has died, his father said Tuesday. He was 60.

Grilled greens rich with flavorBy Deborah Pankey
Vegetables have been gaining ground as weekend warriors discover the bold flavors tomatoes, mushrooms and zucchini develop after a little time on the flames. Yes, even lettuces contain natural sugars that caramelize, giving them deeper flavors after a little time over an open fire.

Brian Wilson returns to St. Charles to perform, record By Josh StockingerWhen Brian Wilson arrives in St. Charles this weekend, it will be something of a homecoming for the former Beach Boy, who recorded “Imagination” in a house just a few miles from where he'll be playing. And the legendary songwriter liked recording here so much, he plans to do it again.

Discuss

Remember the three R’s of toll hikes
Daily Herald Editorial BoardA toll increase is part of the discussion before the Illinois Toll Highway Authority board, but a Daily Herald editorial says, while roads have to be maintained and major projects like Elgin-O’Hare pursued, now is not the time for a systemwide toll hike.

GOP must be careful with 10th amendment By Michael GersonColumnist Michael Gerson: Federal powers must be at least implied by the Constitution, not merely conjured by the courts. But that is not identical to Republicanism.

Headaches are the least of GOP’s worries
By Richard CohenColumnist Richard Cohen: To fix what ails us will take time, ingenuity and political courage. At the moment, it is the latter that’s nowhere in sight. The right wing of the GOP is willing, if not able, to take the nation right into default and a bevy of Republican leaders, most of them knowing better, are too cowed to object.

Be wary of emails that circulate
Barack Obama has always been open about his father, in interviews and writing, stating that he went back to Kenya. How could anyone then think that Obama would state that this man deserved veteran benefits?

Give riders better warning for trains
Letter to the Editor: Metra needs to ensure that it gives adequate information to riders regarding which platform they should board the train from to avoid situations where riders are scrambling to switch platforms once they see the train.

Nothing fair about ‘fair trade’ pacts
Letter to the Editor: Proposed “fair” trade agreements with Panama, South Korea and Colombia are an extension of NAFTA, which already has cost the U.S. millions of jobs. Why do you think corporations and big banks are pushing for these agreements that result in low wages, no benefits, no pollution control, no concern for the environment; child labor and low taxes?

Hughes has been a Sugar Grove leader
Letter to the Editor: The Sugar Grove Chamber of Commerce & Industry was saddened to learn of the dismissal of Sugar Grove Library Director Beverly Holmes Hughes on July 14. Beverly, as an elected member of the Sugar Grove Chamber board of directors, was instrumental in organizing the chamber in 1991 and through her professional leadership and guidance helped grow the chamber over the past 20 years.

Baseball analogy was a stretch
The economy is in dire straits, to be sure. But to blame the low attendance at Cubs-Nationals game on it is completely ignoring the fact that the Cubs aren’t playing anywhere near the level of a Major League Baseball team.

Walsh should start cooperating
Grayslake letter to the editor: Congressman Joe Walsh, you were sent to D.C. to get something done, not to be acting like a 5-year-old when thing don’t go your way.

Haboob stirs up Anti-Arabic sentiment
Letter to the Editor: It seems that some residents of Arizona are having some difficulty with the recent sandstorms in that state. Actually not with the storms themselves, but with the name “haboob” that the National Weather Service is using for the storms.

Thanks for food pantry donations
On behalf of Peoples Resource and Interfaith food pantries we wish to thank all who contributed so generously to the St. Matthew Shopping Cart Brigade, at the Wheaton 4th of July parade.

Failure of long march to socialism
Envy and revenge seem to rule the roost on the left side of the aisle, and I would hazard a guess that more Americans are realizing the failure of the long march toward socialism that we’ve been subject to over the last 60 years, a few dabbles with conservatism notwithstanding.

Were GOP serious on deficit reduction ...
If Republicans were truly concerned about budget deficits, they wouldn’t insist on renewing Bush’s tax cuts for the wealthiest among us; that reduction in revenue is responsible for 60 percent of the current deficit.